Transportation Study Process for the project in Culver City

The transportation study process for Culver City involves several key steps and criteria to determine whether a project requires a detailed transportation analysis and outlines the procedure for preparing, submitting, and approving the study. Here is an overview of the process:

A. Screening Criteria

A transportation study is required if a project is estimated to add 250 or more new daily trips. However, the Culver City Public Works Department (PWD) may require a transportation study or certain components of it even if the threshold criteria are not met, based on the following concerns:

• Creation of adverse conditions for bicycles or pedestrians.
• Pedestrian or vehicular traffic conflict due to proximity to an intersection.
• Generation of significant traffic on residential streets.
• Significant increase in additional parking on residential streets.
• Traffic generation that could create operational problems affecting traffic flow on roadways or driveways.
• Proposed driveway locations with limited visibility due to road alignment or other safety, design, or operational issues.

B. Scoping and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

1. Scoping Process:

   • Before applying for any project that requires discretionary action, the applicant, project architect, or consulting traffic engineer must submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for preparing a transportation study.
   • The MOU must be approved by the Culver City Traffic Engineer and signed by all parties involved, including the City, before starting the transportation study.
   • The transportation study must be signed by a professional civil or traffic engineer registered in the State of California.
   • During the scoping process, the traffic engineer will meet with the applicable City staff to review and obtain conceptual City staff approval for all site access and circulation elements, such as driveway locations and widths, trip generation estimates, parking layouts, loading areas, and both on-site and off-site circulation for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

2. MOU Contents:

   • Contact information for property owners, applicants, architects, civil engineers, and traffic consultants.
   • A detailed project description.
   • A project site plan.
   • Trip generation data, including daily and peak traffic volumes with applicable reductions or credits.
   • Directional trip distribution and assignment.
   • Build-out year or phasing information.
   • A list of approved and pending projects for forecasting purposes.
   • A list and map of all intersections and road segments to be studied.
   • All transit routes within one mile of the project area operated by the City and other transit service providers.
   • Payment of applicable fees based on the current City fee schedule.

3. Agency Coordination:

   • If any of the intersections or road segments in the study are within the jurisdiction of other public agencies (such as the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, or Caltrans), the MOU must also be reviewed and approved by a representative from each affected agency.

C. City Review

1. Administrative Draft Transportation Study:

   • The applicant must submit an electronic version of the administrative draft transportation study consistent with the approved MOU and pay all required fees for City review.
   • PWD Mobility and Traffic Engineering Division staff will review the study to ensure it meets the criteria and reflects the specific details of the site and project.
   • If corrections are needed, Culver City will notify the applicant, who must then resubmit the revised study.

2. Final Draft Transportation Study:

   • Once the administrative draft is deemed acceptable, the applicant submits an electronic version of the final draft transportation study for further review by City staff and any other impacted jurisdictions.
   • The applicant and traffic consultant must be present at all public meetings and hearings regarding the proposed project and be available to respond to any questions from City representatives and the public.
   • The City may request additional information and revisions during the study preparation and review period.

3. Approved Transportation Study:

   • After final approval, the applicant must submit an electronic copy of the City-approved transportation study to the Public Works Department (PWD), Community Development Department (CDD), and Transportation Department, as applicable.
   • If the City requests hard copies at any point during the review process, the applicant is responsible for printing and providing them at their expense

This structured approach ensures that transportation studies align with the City’s requirements and address all relevant factors affecting transportation systems, safety, and accessibility.

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